Statement by Ambassador Tacan İldem, Permanent Representative of Turkey, In Response to Valeri Chechelashvili, Secretary General of GUAM, at the 954th Permanent Council

Tacan İLDEM 30.05.2013

I would like to join the previous speakers in warmly welcoming you Mr. Secretary General and thank you for your presentation. Your views have once again highlighted the importance of comprehensive regional cooperation, solidarity and security in the OSCE area.

Being one of the two observers states of GUAM, “Organization for Democracy and Development”, Turkey supports the founding principles and vision of this regional organization that are based on common international values to promote cooperation, ensure economic development and improve the living standards of the peoples of the region with a transparent agenda.

As a staunch advocate of regional ownership schemes, we value initiatives taken by the countries of the region to establish a common platform to dwell upon the vital issues of their region. The “Euro-Asian Trans-Caucasus Transport Corridor” developed by GUAM is an excellent example of this kind, which is solely based on mutual ties and interests.

Besides, the efforts of the Organization focusing on enhancing economic relations, deepening and intensification of integration, developing social and economic programmes, promoting democratic values, strengthening regional security and stability and fighting against terrorism, organized crime and other security threats that also have trans boundary repercussions are praiseworthy and deserves every support of all parties concerned.

It is our sincere belief that uniting individual efforts to collective endeavors can lead to positive changes. In this respect we have always voiced our support to strengthen the relations between the OSCE and other regional organizations on the basis of the 1999 Platform for Co-operative Security. We believe that the OSCE Secretariat and its field missions could further their relationship with GUAM on the basis of complementarity with an increased coordination. The ongoing mutual and beneficial cooperation projects can be enlarged in a way to include in and invite other regional initiatives in our midst as potential partners.

In conclusion, we would like to thank you Mr. Secretary General for your address and wish you every success in your future endeavours.